Karen Cunningham

Karen Cunningham is a Professor at Kent State University's School of Peace and Conflict Studies. She holds a J.D. from Washington & Lee University (1986) and completed advanced sociology coursework at Kent State. Her career spans law practice, alternative dispute resolution, and organizational consulting before joining academia full-time in 2001.

Research focuses on workplace conflict, organizational culture, incivility, negotiation techniques, and the legacy of the May 4, 1970 shootings. She advises student organizations and served as Acting Director of her school (2010–2011). Awards include the 2016 University Teaching Council recognition and repeated teaching award nominations.

• Professional Affiliations: Society for Human Resource Management, Virginia State Bar, American Association of University Professors
• Key Projects: May 4 Visitor Center committee, Kent City Council community relations initiatives

Teaching emphasizes experiential learning, with students winning YES! Magazine Writing Competitions (2015, 2018–2019). Authored influential articles on May 4 commemorations and conflict resolution pedagogy.